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Arizona Advocacy Network
1616 E. Indian School, #340 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-297-2500 (Phone) 602-297-3600 (Fax)
For Immediate Release Contact: Linda Brown
Date: April 18, 2011 Phone: 602-622-6641
Arizona Senate Passes Gift for Special Interests
Senate Sends Clean Elections Repeal Measure to Ballot
Phoenix, Ariz.—Just hours after a new poll was released showing broad opposition to efforts to repeal Clean Elections, the Arizona House passed SCR 1025, a measure that will put a repeal of Clean Elections on the ballot in November 2012.
“Just like the big corporate tax breaks in the budget, wealthy special interests in Phoenix won again,” said Linda Brown, executive director of the Arizona Advocacy Network. “It’s obscene that these lawmakers, just weeks after being ensnared in the Fiesta Bowl scandal, would push to give powerful corporate interests even more power in the state house.”
New polling released today by the Arizona Advocacy Network and Public Campaign showed broad support for the Clean Elections system, are oppose to repeal, and that politicians that support ending Clean Elections may pay a price at the ballot box. Forty-five percent of Independent voters would be less likely to support a candidate that favors repeal of Clean Elections. Republicans (47% would be less likely to support a candidate) and Democrats (64%) agree. (The full poll is available at www.publicampaign.org/polls/arizona2011.)
Quietly on Wednesday and Thursday, the House and Senate passed S.B. 1167, legislation that will make legal challenges to unconstitutional referenda far more difficult. The measure includes an emergency provision requiring immediate enactment upon the governor’s signature so that it will apply to the Clean Elections repeal.
“Not only are lawmakers going against the wishes of voters by pushing to end Clean Elections without debate, but they also think their ballot proposals should not be subject to the same standards and scrutiny as citizens’ initiatives,” said Brown. “The arrogance of these folks is immeasurable.”
Other key points from today’s polling:
- Voters overwhelmingly support Clean Elections—by a five to one margin, or 77% to 14%. That support is strong among Democrats (80%), Republicans (74%), and Independents (79%)
- Nearly two-thirds (66%) of Arizona voters oppose repealing Clean Elections.
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Linda Brown
Executive Director
Arizona Advocacy Network
602-297-2500 (office)
602-297-3600 (fax)
602-622-6641 (cell)
1616 E. Indian School Road, Suite 340
Phoenix, AZ 85016
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